6 arrested in weapons export ring to Thailand

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle says six people have been arrested following an investigation into a ring that exported restricted firearm parts from the United States to Thailand.

U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan’s office says the arrests happened over the weekend, including one at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and another in Bellevue. The other arrests occurred in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Berkeley, Calif.

The group is charged with conspiracy to violate the Arms Control Export Act. Prosecutors say that between 2011 and 2013, the group concealed weapons parts in cargo heading to Asia under misleading labels. Prosecutors allege the group is responsible for at least 240 shipments.

Durkan’s office described 42-year-old Naris Lekhakul as the ring’s leader. He was arrested at Sea-Tac Airport after returning from Thailand.

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The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.